I. verbEtymology: Middle English tuten to protrude, peer; probably akin to Old English tōtian to stick out, Norwegian tyteDate: circa 1700transitive verb1. to spy on ;watch2.a.British to spy out information about (as a racing stable or horse)
b. to give a tip or solicit bets on (a racehorse)
3. to solicit, peddle, or persuade importunately <

not meant to tout you off the movie — Russell Baker

>4. to make much of ;promote, talk up<

touted as the summer's blockbuster movie

><

the college's much touted women's studies program

>intransitive verb1. to solicit patronage
2.a.chiefly British to spy on racehorses in training to gain information for betting
b. to give a tip or solicit bets on a racehorse
II. nounDate: 1853
one who touts: as
a. one who solicits patronage
b.chiefly British one who spies out racing information for betting purposes
c. one who gives tips or solicits bets on a racehorse